How you doin? I'm
getting a late start, because my boss made me make up a "1/2 day". I was
at work very late last night. Just kidding. I'm checking to see if he's
reading this email. I was at work late though. Acts 18 today.
Paul is just AWESOME!!!!!!! In verses 9 and 10 he has a vision from God. One that I could live with. God spoke to him and said, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For
I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I
have many people in this city.” "For I am with you", COME ON!!!!!!! What
strengthening and encouragement from God Himself. Paul responded very
well. Verse 11 tells us that he stayed in that city for a year and a
half.
I've
noticed in the book of Acts how often it's said that Paul and the other
apostles "strengthened" the disciples and followers of Jesus. As it
says in verses 9-10, Paul received his strength from God. But, other
Scripture tells us that some people received strength from Paul or
perhaps his anointing. Verse 23 says that Paul spent time in "Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples". This is a common verse throughout Acts.
I also dig the story of Apollos. He is described in verses 24-25 like this, "He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately,..." He sounds like someone I would like to be around. But at the end of verse 25 it says, "though
he knew only the baptism of John". It's curious how this sounds like
some type of lack. Perhaps Apollos was missing the relational part of
God. There's hope. In verse 26, disciples of Paul's get a hold of him, "He
began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard
him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately." This story has an great ending. Verses 27-28, "When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters
encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he
arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For
he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving
from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah." COME ON!!!!!!! Here is
tremendous example of the importance of strengthening and encouraging
each other. What a thrill it would be to disciple someone who goes on to
do great things for the Kingdom. SAY WORD!!!!!!! Strengthen and
encourage someone today.
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